Xiaomi has officially launched its flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, at an event held today in China. The device is making waves with its advanced specifications and features, and it is set to go on sale starting at CNY 6,499 (approximately $893). Xiaomi has announced plans for the global launch of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) on March 2, where it will also share details about its availability worldwide.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts impressive specifications, including a stunning 6.73-inch AMOLED LTPO display with a resolution of 3200x1440 pixels and up to 3200 nits of peak brightness. It supports variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz, making it highly adaptable for various use cases. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, coupled with options for 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring ample space for users who demand high performance and capacity.
The camera capabilities of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra are particularly noteworthy. It maintains the Leica branding and features a quad-camera setup, prominently housed within a circular lens module. The key highlight is its 200MP periscope camera, which distinguishes itself with 4.3x optical zoom and enhanced low-light performance through improved sensor technology. Besides the periscope lens, the rear camera system includes three 50MP sensors: the main sensor utilizes the Sony LYT-900 sensor with fixed f/1.63 aperture, along with 50MP ultrawide and telephoto sensors equipped with varying specifications for versatility.
According to the company, the camera system can capture images with exceptional clarity and precision, enhancing photography experiences, particularly under challenging lighting conditions. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra includes innovative features such as 8K video recording capabilities and advanced stabilization systems, making it appealing for video enthusiasts.
Battery life has also been significantly improved, with the device featuring a 6000mAh battery, supporting both 90W wired and 80W wireless charging. This upgrade marks an increase from the previous generation, which had a 5300mAh battery. Users will benefit from longer usage times, along with the support for reverse wireless charging.
Beyond the hardware, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra runs on Android 15 and utilizes Xiaomi's HyperOS 2.0, which provides enhanced performance and support for AI functionalities. The brand emphasizes extended software support, promising four generations of Android system updates and six years of security updates, ensuring customers can enjoy the latest features and security enhancements.
Regarding design, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available in multiple color options, including classic black and white, along with special editions like Silver Chrome. The build quality reflects premium material usage, standing out with its CNC-crafted aluminum frame and protective Shield Glass 2.0, which offers improved drop resistance.
Xiaomi is also promoting its new professional imaging kit accessory with the Ultra model. This add-on provides photography enthusiasts with additional controls similar to those found on dedicated cameras, including shutter buttons and exposure dials.
Pricing for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra varies based on specifications: the 12GB + 256GB model starts at CNY 6,499, moving up to CNY 6,999 for the 16GB + 512GB version and CNY 7,799 for the 16GB + 1TB variant. A dual-satellite version is also available for CNY 7,999, highlighting the phone's advanced connectivity features.
The upcoming global launch at MWC on March 2 will be accompanied by announcements detailing the phone’s availability across various international markets. While speculation abounds about possible modifications for the global version, initial reports suggest consumers can expect consistent performance and specifications, albeit with potential adjustments to battery size.
With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Xiaomi aims to challenge competitors like Apple and Samsung, particularly with its focus on advanced camera technology and substantial battery life. Fans of mobile photography are eagerly anticipating its performance, especially due to its proclaimed camera capabilities, which Xiaomi has branded as its 'Night God,' emphasizing low-light prowess.
For now, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available for purchase within China, generating buzz as it prepares for its debut on the global stage. With pre-orders already underway and shipping expected to start shortly after the launch event, this flagship device is poised to leave its mark on the competitive smartphone market.